Rams

Jack Youngblood
(Game Worn)

Jack Youngblood is consistently described by football contemporaries at both the collegiate and pro levels as "rugged" and "determined" and the record supports those respectful terms. Herbert Jackson "Jack" Youngblood entered the University Of Florida as a gangly 6'4" defensive end out of Jefferson County (FL) High School and through diligent weight training and proper nutrition grew to a solid 248 pounds of muscle. His Florida career was something more than outstanding, leading his team in tackles in 1969 and being selected as an All American in 1970. His dogged play, typified by his bone-jarring tackle of a Georgia running back on Florida's one-yard line, forcing a fumble, and then recovering it himself, earned him the distinction of being a member of the Southeastern Conference All Quarter-Century Team (1954-1979) and election to The College Football Hall Of Fame. As the Los Angeles Rams' first-round draft choice in 1971, he at first backed-up the great Deacon Jones but once he secured the starting defensive end position in 1973, he played in 201 consecutive games including a playoff game in which he suffered a fractured fibula! He also played in Super Bowl XIV with the broken leg and excelled. A five-time All Pro and seven-time All NFC player in his fourteen seasons with the Rams, he played in seven Pro Bowls and was consistent in his superb level of play, earning entry to The Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Above is one of the last helmets he wore, the Riddell Pac 3 with DWNJOP.